Permanent Secretary leads Thai delegation to UNFF21, strengthens forest cooperation
Thailand's Permanent Secretary led delegates to the UN Forest Forum in New York, securing forest cooperation agreements with China, Canada, and the International Tropical Timber Organization to advance sustainable management and restoration
On May 14, 2026, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Dr. Rawiwan Phurideach, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, headed the Thai delegation to the 21st United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21), alongside Nikon Sirirojanananth, Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, and relevant officials. The delegation participated in negotiations to draft the omnibus resolution, which will serve as the outcome of UNFF21. The resolution contains policy recommendations for member states regarding sustainable forest management, including enhancing cooperation with various partners, monitoring and evaluation of member country reports, and operational mechanisms.
During the forum, Dr. Rawiwan held bilateral discussions with forest-related countries and organizations concerning cooperation in implementing the UN Strategic Plan for Forests and Thailand's national forest policy:
1. Forest cooperation between Thailand and China: Dr. Rawiwan met with Dr. Hu Yuanhui, Executive Director-General of the International Cooperation Center of China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration, to discuss capacity building for forestry personnel through training programs and scholarships, as well as forest restoration cooperation through APFNet. China's representative invited Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Minister to participate in the APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forest (FTMM), which China will host on July 27-28, 2026, in Shenzhen.
2. Cooperation with the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO): Dr. Rawiwan discussed with ITTO Executive Director Ms. Sheam Satkuru regarding ongoing support for Thailand's teak trade development through the "Teak Project" and forest fire management. Currently, a joint proposal is being developed to seek funding from the Green Climate Fund.
3. Cooperation with Canada's Ministry of Natural Resources: Dr. Rawiwan met with Ms. Christa Mooney, Senior Policy Advisor of the Canadian Forest Service and head of Canada's UNFF21 delegation, to discuss Thailand-Canada collaboration through the Model Forest Network for sustainable forest and natural resource management. Thailand currently operates a model forest in Ngao, Lampang Province, and is proposing Bangkajao as Thailand's second model forest.
The UNFF21 conference took place from May 11-15, 2026, with 193 member states endorsing the joint omnibus resolution on May 15, 2026.
